Sustainable Infrastructure
Sustainable Infrastructure | Lighting Upgrades | Electrical | Cumberland Gap
Cumberland Gap is glowing a little greener thanks to HEP’s expertise in sustainable infrastructure electrical solutions. Our team replaces outdated fixtures with high-efficiency LEDs, integrates daylight-responsive controls, and optimizes every watt so local businesses, schools, and historic sites can shine while shrinking their carbon footprint. These lighting upgrades not only deliver up to 70 % energy savings but also enhance visibility, safety, and the unique character of our mountain town.
From initial audit to final flick of the switch, HEP manages the entire process—sourcing ENERGY STAR® components, coordinating rebates, and recycling old materials responsibly. Whether you’re retrofitting a single storefront or modernizing an entire campus, our tailored approach lowers utility bills, cuts maintenance costs, and supports Cumberland Gap’s commitment to a brighter, more sustainable future.
FAQs
What are the main benefits of upgrading to energy-efficient lighting in Cumberland Gap?
Switching to high-efficiency LEDs and smart controls can cut lighting electricity use by 60-80 %, lower HVAC loads because LEDs run cooler, and reduce maintenance visits by up to 10 years thanks to 50,000-hour lamp life. These savings translate to a typical 2-4-year payback and a smaller carbon footprint, which supports Cumberland Gap’s sustainability goals and Appalachian heritage tourism.
Which sustainable lighting technologies do you install?
We design and install DLC-listed LED tubes, panels, high-bay fixtures, dark-sky compliant exterior luminaires, solar-powered pole lights, networked occupancy / daylight sensors, and smart controls that integrate with BACnet or DALI building-automation systems. All products meet Tennessee energy code, carry a 5- to 10-year factory warranty, and are selected to preserve Cumberland Gap’s historic character.
How much can I expect to save after an LED retrofit?
Savings vary by building type, but most customers in the Tri-State region see 50-75 % lower lighting kWh consumption. For example, replacing 75 T8 fluorescents with LEDs in a 10,000-sq-ft office typically saves about 18,000 kWh and $1,700 in utility costs per year at current Powell Valley Electric Cooperative rates, while avoiding roughly 12 metric tons of CO₂ annually.
Do you help secure utility rebates, tax incentives, or financing?
Yes. We prepare all paperwork for TVA EnergyRight Business rebates, federal §179D commercial building tax deductions, and local low-interest C-PACE or Green Bank loans. Incentives can offset 20-40 % of project cost up-front, and we can structure on-bill financing so your monthly energy savings are greater than the loan payment from day one.
Will the lighting upgrade disrupt my operations or alter historic aesthetics?
Our crews work nights, weekends, or during scheduled shutdowns to minimize downtime. In most cases we replace existing lamps and ballasts without moving ceilings or conduit, so there is little mess or noise. For historic facades, we offer custom color-temperature LEDs (2,200-3,000 K) and period-appropriate housings that maintain the Cumberland Gap Historic District’s appearance while meeting dark-sky guidelines.
How do I start a project and what is the typical timeline?
Contact us for a free on-site audit. We’ll measure current fixtures, take foot-candle readings, and provide a detailed proposal within one week. Small municipal buildings can be retrofitted in 1–3 days; schools and multi-building campuses usually take 4–6 weeks including delivery, installation, commissioning, and final measurement & verification to document achieved savings.